Long term outcome after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt in non-transplant cirrhotics with hepatorenal syndrome: a phase II study

Background-Recent small studies on hepatorenal syndrome (MRS) indicate some clinical benefit after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) but sufficient long term data are lacking. Aim-We studied prospectively feasibility, safety, and long term survival af ter TIPS in 41 non-transplantable cirrhotics with HRS (phase II study). Patients and methods-MRS was diagnosed using current criteria (severe (type I) MRS, n=21; moderate (type II) HRS, n=20). Thirty one patients (14 type I, 17 type II) received TIPS (8-10 mm) while advanced liver failure exclude d shunting in 10. During follow up (median 24 months) we analysed renal fun ction and survival (Kaplan-Meier). Results-TIPS markedly reduced the portal pressure gradient (21 (5) to 13 (4 ) nun Mg (mean (SD)); p<0.001) with one procedure related death (3.2%). Ren al function deteriorated without TIPS but improved (p<0.001) within two wee ks after TIPS (creatinine clearance 18 (15) to 48 (42) ml/min; sodium excre tion 9 (16) to 77 (78) mmol/24 hours) and stabilised thereafter. Following TIPS, three, six, 12, and 18 month survival rates were 81%, 71%, 48%, and 3 5%, respectively. As only 10% of non-shunted patients survived three months , total survival rates were 63%, 56%, 39%, and 29%, respectively. Multivari ate Cox regression analysis revealed bilirubin (p<0.001) and HRS type (p<0. 05) as independent survival predictors after TIPS. Conclusions-TIPS provides long term renal function and probably survival be nefits in the majority of non-transplantable cirrhotics with HRS. These dat a warrant controlled trials evaluating TIPS in the management of HRS.